Tiger Live

Mrs. Berg is keeping everyone busy with cooking lessons, virtual field trips, author read-alouds and more. Coming soon: The Club T.E.D. Newspaper, featuring work that students are doing at home. Click below to join in on the fun.

Club T.E.D. Classroom

The Class Code is 5h77kkt

Read the April Club T.E.D. Digest here.

Google teamed up with museums to make virtual tours a reality. Uffizi Gallery, Getty, Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Musée d’Orsay, Guggenheim, and more.

Smithsonian: National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tours: Behind the Scenes, Exhibits and Research Stations

Zoo Atlanta: Panda Cam

The Great Wall of China: A 360 Degree Virtual Tour

National Museum of Natural History: Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, part 1 of 3

National Museum of Natural History: Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, part 2 of 3

National Museum of Natural History: Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, part 3 of 3

National Museum of the American Indians: Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indians  

Houstonzoo.org

Montereybayaquarium.org

Discovery Channel, How Stuff Works: Jolly Time Popcorn

Discovery Channel, How Stuff Works: Aurora Borealis

Podcasts for Younger Kids

The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Story Pirates

Smash Boom Best - debate show for kids

Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest (2nd grade & up)

Eleanor Amplified

The Show About Science

Tumble Science Podcast

Podcasts for Older Kids

TED Talks: TED Talks Daily

NPR: Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me  

Museum of Science: Pulsar

Pants on Fire - A game show: kids vs adults

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Kids Listen - Six Minute Episodes

Who Would Win? - Episodes debating battles between characters from Comic Books, Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Stuff You Missed in History Class - Greatest and strangest stuff from history

• Seacoast Science Center: Lessons, Outdoor Activities and Resources for Learning at Home 
• NASA: STEM at Home, grades 5-8
• NASA: STEM at Home, grades K-4
• Smithsonian Institute: Fun Stuff for Kids
• Khan Academy Kids: Free, no ads, no subscription
• Education Development Center: Solve Me Puzzles 
• PBS Videos and Interactive Lessons 
  https://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/subjects/science/
• Commonsense Media, Parents' Ultimate Guide to Google Classroom
• Chicago Tribune, Life Skills Bucket List
• EdNavigator's One Great Thing, Helps Families Simplify and Make the Most of Each Day while Schools Are Closed.

Author/illustrators offering readings of their books or conducting online classes on their own website/facebook live/Youtube.

Oliver Jeffers: The Day the Crayons Quit 

Mo Willems - lunch Doodles at 1pm  

Oliver Jeffers - reading one of his books daily on Instagram 

Grace Lin - “Ask an Author” and drawing classes  

Jarret Kroscoska - Youtube Channel daily drawing lessons at 2pm

@macbarnett - reading one of his books daily on Instagram

Todd Parr - lots of read alouds on his Youtube page 

Mrs. Upton's Picks - a curated list created by our own favorite book expert.

Public Libraries have many online resources available if you have a library card.  Some area libraries are allowing patrons to order books by placing a hold in their online catalog and they will leave the book for you outside the library.

Audible: Free, until all schools reopen!
https://www.audible.com/ep/kids-audiobooks

Ebooks & audio books; Download the app LIBBY to access your public library’s online collections

Office Hours 

Nurse Paula Cardarelli

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 11:00am-3:00pm 
Please contact me by email to schedule an appointment.
If you would like to schedule time with me to discuss Covid-19, your children's/family's health and/or wellness I can arrange for a private conversation via Zoom.  I am also available to students for a lunch chat or to answer questions or concerns.

School Counselor, Sarah Gold

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 11:00-12:30 
Other times can be arranged as well. Please contact me by email to schedule your appointment. 


Ms. Gold and Nurse Paula
 

School Counselor Sarah Gold offers the following resources and hotlines for psychiatric crisis, substance abuse and health and safety. For a printable copy, click here.

Emergency

• Call 911 if any crisis is an immediate health risk or you are in danger.
   

Psychiatric Crisis

• Northshore Psychiatric Crisis Hotline - 978-744-1585. This hotline offers over-the-phone mental health crisis management and a mobile unit that can travel to peoples' homes if necessary. The mobile unit has still been functioning during the COVID-19 crisis, however, they are restricting their home visits.
• Samaritans, a local, Boston agency.
  Hotline, call or text - 877-870-4673
• National Suicide Prevention
  Hotline, call or text: 800-273-8255

Domestic Violence 

• In Massachusetts, SafeLink offers resource for domestic violence support
  Safelink Hotline: 877-785-2020
• In Salem, HAWC, supports women and children
  Call 800-547-1649
• The national hotline for domestic violence support is 800-799-7233

Substance Abuse

• The Boston Alcoholics Anonymous group offers links to online meetings.
  A.A. hotline 617-426-9444, available:
      Monday-Friday, 9:00am-9:00pm 
      Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, 12:00pm-9:00pm
   
• The National hotline for Mental Health and Substance Abuse is 800-622-4357

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, Healthy Tigers

Welcome Tigers! We've gathered some great resources for students on Padlet, a virtual bulletin board for collaborating, reflecting and sharing ideas back and forth with students. It's a fun way to help keep our beloved tigers healthy, peaceful, physically fit and connected.

Visit Heathy Bodies, Healthy Minds, Healthy Tigers often!


Ms. Gold and Nurse Paula

A Tutorial for Families

This helpful tutorial, "Getting Started with Distance Learning," provides step-by-step guidance for the following topics:

• Accessing Your Child's Tower Email
• Using Google Classroom
• Using Zoom Videoconferencing

Getting Started with Distance Learning

Questions?

If you have questions about Google Classroom or Zoom we encourage you to reach out to our Distance Learning team.

Matt Murphy: Google Classroom

Melissa Upton: Google Classroom

Kelly Klocker: Zoom 

Helpful Tips for Using Zoom

• Work as closely to your router as possible!  
• Wear earbuds or headphones if you have them; avoid headsets with microphones
• When your microphone is on, Zoom will devote part of your Internet connection to an audio stream for you, even if you are not speaking. Mute your microphone when you do not need it, and you will allow Zoom to use your Internet connection more effectively.
• Zoom meetings can demand significant memory and processing power from your computer. Closing other applications, ones you do not need during the session, will help Zoom run better.
• Don't start other bandwidth-intensive activities just before, or during, a Zoom meeting. On your Zoom device—and as much as possible, on other computers and devices that share your Internet connection—avoid:

1. large downloads

2. large uploads

3. streaming video (e.g. Netflix, Hulu, YouTube)

4. cloud backups (e.g. Carbonite, CrashPlan)

5. cloud file synchronizations (e.g. OneDrive, Dropbox)

6. other high-bandwidth activities

Troubleshooting Home Wireless

Step 1: Test the Speed

• On multiple devices, test the internet speed (download and upload)

  • On a laptop or desktop, visit www.speedtest.net or https://fast.com 

  • On an iOS device, download Speedtest by Ookla

  • On an Android device, download Speedtest by Ookla

• A good internet speed is at or above 20 Mbps. These speeds will support most online activity.

Step 2: Move Closer

• Move closer to your modem and router and run the speed test again. Proximity to that equipment does make a difference.
   

• Do you get the same speed results?
   
  • ​​​​If your speed is still slow, continue below.
  • If the speed is improved significantly, move your work space closer to your modem and router or look at purchasing a Wifi extender (https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-wifi-extenders,review-2225.html) 

Step 3: Restart the Device

• If just one device is showing poor speed but other devices are fine, restart that one device.

• If necessary, have that device forget the wireless network and reconnect.

• After a restart, test the speed again on that device.

Step 4: Restart the Modem and Router

If 2 or more devices are showing poor speed, you can restart the modem and wifi router.

• The Modem brings Internet to your home
  A modem is a small box that connects your devices to the internet using cables. There is typically a coaxial cable or phone line connecting the modem to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• The Router brings Internet to your devices
  A router is a small box that sometimes has large antennas which sends the wireless signal throughout your house.
  Some ISPs provide a combined modem and router box (https://www.xfinity.com/hub/internet/modem-vs-router)

• Restart both of these devices by unplugging them for 10 seconds and plugging them back in. Wait about 5 minutes after connecting them back to power for them to reconnect.

• After a restart, test the speed again on multiple devices.

Step 5: Contact your Internet Service Provider

If you have restarted your devices, router and modem and your speed is still slow, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)...

• Verizon, Comcast, and, AT&T are just a few of the ISPs in the area. They will check your equipment and speed remotely and confirm the speeds you should be seeing.

Please note that this document will be updated regularly as we learn from our new online experience.

Acceptable Use Policy: Our Acceptable Use Policy applies to online learning just as it does in more typical learning situations. 

Advisory: In Upper School, all students will meet with their advisors before class every morning on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. These are important check-in sessions where students will maintain connections with their advisors and peers. It’s an opportunity for advisors to provide advice, guidance, and general academic and social-emotional support for advisees.

Assessment: Student assessment will vary by division and department. In general and as much as possible, we will adhere to assessment practices already in place before moving to online learning. Any major changes in assessments and grading policies as a result of online learning will be communicated clearly to students and families by teachers and administrators. 

Assemblies: Ryan, Liz, and Serena will be sending out video messages to students on assembly days; Tuesday for Upper School, Wednesday for Lower School, and Friday for All School. These are meant to provide connections to our school-life routines, and they will evolve as we go. We plan to hold “live” school gatherings as well.

Asynchronous Learning: Students learn on their own time using a variety of resources. To varying degrees depending on the nature of an assignment and the age of the child, they are supported by teachers virtually and also by the adults at home.

Attendance: Attendance will be taken every day in each class. 

Class Setting while at Home: Students are to attend class in a manner that is consistent with Tower’s expectations for typical classroom behaviors and attitudes. We suggest establishing and maintaining a specific location and set-up in your home for class attendance that will be most conducive to focused and participatory online learning (for example, sitting in a chair at a table or desk).

Communication: Your child’s teachers, the Division Heads, and the Head of School will maintain regular communication with families. The frequency of the communications will depend on your child’s age, developmental stage, and level of independence. In the Lower School, we won’t start off writing weekly progress reports, but we will provide feedback on student progress. In Upper School, we will continue to communicate with updates from our classrooms as we have been doing all year long. Consistent with our standard practices, parents are encouraged to reach out to faculty directly to schedule times to talk as needed. Our teachers will need to be in regular email communication with all of their families, so we ask that you be mindful when communicating with teachers, strive to be succinct, and focus on the essential.

Distance Learning: Distance learning is not a re-creation of the traditional 8am–3pm school day. We cannot replicate a school day at Tower from a distance, so instead, we seek to strike an effective balance of teacher-guided and independent learning. Students will engage in both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (learning/sharing outside the constraints of time and place) off-site learning. This type of learning involves faculty connecting with students and families using digital devices and platforms to continue learning. At the heart of our Distance Learning plan are the relationships between teachers and students and students and students. Tower is committed to planning and implementing high quality and meaningful experiences for students. 

During times of distance learning, we value:

• Connection/Contact/Community
• The ability to meet our students where they are and help them grow
• Families spending quality time together
• Limited screen time
• Maximum time exploring, creating, and relating

Dress Code: Students are expected to be dressed for the day when attending online classes. While dress may be more relaxed than on a regular school day, we ask that students not wear pajamas to class. 

Flexibility: This is a learning experience for everyone. We will make adjustments as we go. We're guided by the Tower mission, especially as it relates to embracing challenge!  

Homework: Teachers will share expectations around these topics with students and families for each class and grade level.

Illness: Please contact Paula Cardarelli if your child will not be able to participate in school due to illness. If you or a member of your family becomes ill and COVID-19 is suspected, please inform Paula.

Learning Skills and Student Support: The LSC team continues to meet 1-on-1 with students, scheduling time with families in the flex and off-times. As usual, LSC and classroom teachers will stay in close touch about individual students as needed. Sarah Gold, our school counselor, will also be available and will be connecting regularly with students and faculty.

Morning Meeting: In the Lower School, Morning Meetings are held by homeroom 4 days per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This is an important time for classmates and teachers to catch up, remain connected, share information and important life moments, and introduce academic goals for the day. The start times are staggered where possible, to allow for families to get their children set up and online at the appropriate time.

Routines: We suggest that parents establish new routines for the online school day. Routines will be particular to each family, depending on your situation, children’s age, etc. With your family, set up specific times for school activities/projects/homework, chores, independent free time, outdoor exploration, mealtimes, family time and bedtime. Write it all down and post a schedule.

Schedule: We are continuously evaluating the most effective balance of synchronous and asynchronous learning across disciplines and age groups. One feature of this balance is that every Wednesday is a day for primarily asynchronous learning, which creates flexibility to meet the different needs of our families and faculty members. Asynchronous days offer:

• Time away from screens 
• Time for students to develop and practice skills, work on long-term assignments and in-depth projects
• Opportunities for one-on-one and small-group meetings between students and teachers
• Parent/teacher meetings
• Time permitting, a chance for a family to do something together such as an outdoor activity, a cooking project, cleaning the house, etc.

Social Connections: It will be very important for your child to stay in social contact (through virtual means) with their friends and peers during distance learning periods. Encourage your child to interact with friends online or through phone conversations if social distancing is required. They can form study groups created by their teachers or informal groups that they develop on their own. Social interactions, such as virtual lunch buddies, will help your child stay connected and feel a part of the school community.

Support at Home: Stay engaged in your child’s learning by asking them questions and having them share their thoughts while encouraging their independence, so they can take ownership of their own learning. Some struggle is essential to learning, so we ask that parents allow their children to grapple with problems and come up with ideas for tackling them. Stepping in too quickly to help solve problems will deprive your child of the opportunity to learn, try new approaches, and gain greater independence and confidence. If your child becomes discouraged and/or overwhelmed by schoolwork, please reach out to your child’s teachers, advisors, or counselors.

Synchronous Learning:  Students meet virtually, in real-time in order to continue the in-class, group learning experience.

Use of Devices: Students in PreK - Grade 3 will use home devices to access Tiger Live. Please contact Kelly Klocker if you are in need of a device for a child. Students in Grades 4-8 are expected to use their Chromebooks for online learning. Tower’s Acceptable Use Policy remains in place, and we ask that students use the Chromebooks for school work only. Please monitor all screen activity closely. 

The Tower Code

All members of the Tower community learn and work together under the Tower Code:

1. Respect all people: teachers, students, staff, parents, visitors, and others.
2. Respect the rights of students to learn and teachers to teach.
3. Be kind and helpful. Include others.
4. Be honest with yourself and others.
5. Respect school and personal property, and help keep Tower clean.

Tower School's Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

All actions by students, parents, faculty, and guests at Tower School are governed by the Tower School Code.

All online communication that affects school relationships is governed by the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), whether or not that communication occurred at a school event, used school hardware, or used other school-provided resources. Improper use of technology to misrepresent oneself, to disparage the school or any person within the Tower School community, or to depict or advocate illegal or inappropriate behavior is a violation of the Parent-Student Handbook guidelines and potentially the Enrollment Agreement. Tower School reserves the right to dismiss any student whose behavior or conduct, or whose parent’s behavior or conduct, is determined by the school to be contrary to its rules, regulations or standards.

The AUP does not seek to list all specifically prohibited behaviors. It does not catalog abuses of technology not envisioned by the Tower Code or explicitly referenced in the Parent-Student Handbook.

All learning is based on trust and healthy relationships. All use of technology at school or affiliated with school activities will be guided by common-sense principles of trust and community standards.

Appropriate Use of Technology for Students

Tower School has taken the initiative to use software & hardware solutions to restrict children from viewing content that most adults would deem objectionable; Because no solution is foolproof, the following best practices are outlined:

• Students will use technology in ways that are respectful to peers, to teachers, and others.
• Students will allow faculty access, at any time, to screens, files, or other information located on their devices.
• Students will not use technology to harm/hurt others, including but not limited to, the use of abusive or objectionable language in public or private messages, social networks, or blogs.
• Students will not open others’ files without permission.
• Students will not use technology to steal, including use or copy of protected intellectual property.
• Students will not use others’ technology resources without permission.
• Students will not plagiarize other people’s work. Unless properly documented as others’ work, all work submitted by students will be entirely original.
• Students will not use the internet to try to obtain material deemed objectionable by 7 the Tower community. Students will not use technology to violate the Tower Code.
• Students are not allowed to use personal or school devices for game-playing or entertainment while at school.
• Cell phones may be brought to school, but must be off and stored in students’ lockers during school hours. Faculty may allow student use of personal phones at carpool and during sports pick up.
• Mobile devices may be confiscated if used during school hours without permission.
• It is strongly recommended that smart watches not come to school. Faculty may, at their discretion, ask a student to remove and store any smart watch.

The use of Tower School’s computers, email, Chromebooks, iPads, cameras, network, or other devices and software is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Violating the Acceptable Use Policy may result in restrictions to (or loss of) technology privileges as well as other disciplinary action. Tower administrators and faculty, in consultation with the Head of School, will administer consequences when the AUP has been violated by students.

Further revisions to the Tower Acceptable Use Policy may be made at any time and are expected to be followed by students, parents, and faculty. We expect that students will seek guidance from teachers or administrators if they violate the letter or spirit of the Acceptable Use Policy.